Various respiratory infections can cause bronchitis. It can occur with coughing as the only symptom. On the other hand, acute bronchitis is characterized by a persistent cough, scratchy throat, runny nose, and usually follows an infection of the upper respiratory tract. It is mostly viral in origin, but rarely bacteria can cause it.
It initially appears as a dry cough, which after a few days becomes “productive.” It is primarily diagnosed by a pediatrician’s examination, who listens to the lungs, and treatment usually starts with natural expectorant syrups. If there is no improvement on follow-up, the pediatrician will find significant mucus in the bronchi, as well as hear wheezing and crackling in the chest, and then appropriate antibiotics are prescribed. A common cause of bronchitis is heavy air pollution, allergies, and chronic respiratory diseases. Acute bronchitis is typical during cold weather throughout the year.
Younger children are prone to frequent respiratory infections, which are very active from October to March. Rhinoviruses and adenoviruses are very common in children, especially in group settings. To better recognize potential bronchitis, watch the child’s condition: they are usually lethargic, troubled by a dry cough, have poor appetite, tire easily, and breathe shallowly. The cough is worse at night, and mucus drains into the airways, complicating the condition further. In babies, it is common that due to the inability to expel mucus, they vomit it up, become very irritable and fussy, and may refuse food. Parents often describe their breathing as “rattling.”
You should consult a doctor if mucus production increases, the cough becomes productive, or exhalation is prolonged. Very often, bacterial infection follows this condition, causing a high fever. Also, if you notice any “whistling,” “wheezing,” or “rattling” sounds, you should see a doctor.
Acute bronchitis in children can last about 10 days, with cough being the longest-lasting symptom, unlike chronic bronchitis, which can last up to three months. Proper treatment requires timely diagnosis and identification of the cause based on the type of cough, mucus color, presence of fever, and then starting to strengthen the immune system so the body can fight the virus.